Benacquisto bill would limit opioid prescriptions

A bill that would restrict the supply of opioids doctors can prescribe to patients was filed today by Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-Fort Myers, and endorsed by Senate President Joe Negron.

Senate Bill 8 would limit opioid supply to three days for standard prescriptions but would allow doctors up to a seven-day supply for certain medical conditions.

"This is a moment where we have to take strong action ... " Benacquisto said in a news release. "The opioid epidemic continues to cause pain and death in our communities every day."

The opioid crisis is claiming lives daily across the U.S. and in Florida, with about 33,000 dying nationally in 2015, up from about 12,000 in 2002. Overprescribing of opioids has resulted in addictions, leading to overdoses and deaths, medical experts say.

Pills that patients no longer need are making their way into the hands of drug abusers, according to experts. Lee Health treated nearly 3,000 patients in the fiscal year 2015-16 for substance abuse and 470 for substance overdose. Through October of 2016 and June of this year, 727 patients have been treated for substance overdoses, according to records.

The bill also provides for continuing education for responsible opioid prescriptions and treatment, plus requires participation in the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program by all health care professionals that prescribe opiates.

“The medical community has been very supportive," Benacquisto told The News-Press Monday. "Their physicians are sworn to save lives, take an oath to protect people and usher them into good health. They realize the instances of a shortened prescription are a very valuable tool."

Added Negron in a news release: "Opioid abuse is a critical health and safety issue across our communities. In the Senate, we are seeking solutions to provide treatment and resources for those overcoming addiction. We are looking for measured steps to prevent future addiction, that balances the rights of patients and the knowledge and skill of physicians."